Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Mother, 12: man is charged

Lisa Salmon
Wednesday 22 September 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A MAN has been charged with rape in connection with the pregnancy of a 12-year-old girl who conceived when she was aged 11, police said yesterday.

The girl gave birth to the boy last month in the bathroom of her home in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, after complaining of stomach pains.

A 23-year-old man was arrested earlier this month and released on bail after questioning.

South Yorkshire Police said yesterday the man had been re-arrested and charged with the rape of an 11-year-old girl after DNA tests. She was in her first year at secondary school when the child was conceived. He has been bailed to appear before Rotherham magistrates on 27 September.

The girl has been released from hospital and is being looked after by relatives. She has said she wants to look aftaer her son.

Legally a child under 13 can not consent to sex, so is automatically deemed to be a victim of statutory rape.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in